Southeast Georgia November 2017 Edition

Back in the Saddle Again Jordon Turner, Ware County

Thinking Fast Michael Campbell, McIntosh County Academy

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IN THE

November 2017

Sharrod Frazier Brunswick

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e u s s I s i h t T n I 8 18 25

#1 Pirate

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Wherever He’s Needed

35

Teaching The Game

Sharrod Frazier, Brunswick High School

Thinking Fast

Michael Campbell, McIntosh County Academy

The Blind Side

Kanaya Charlton, Jane Macon Middle School AJ Bell, Charlton

Ross Couch, Bradwell Institute

Also 12

Fall Sports Going Strong Winter Sports Warming Up Ware County

22 38

Basketball Season Heating Up Bacon County

Pierce County Basketball Pierce County

Back in the Saddle Again

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Jordon Turner Ware County High School In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Season three is upon us in the high school football. Most coaches break the season down into three parts: non-region games, region games and the playoffs. So here we are about to kick-off season three. We had three football Region Champions in our coverage area for 2017 and we’d like to congratulate them. The Liberty County Panthers were your 2-AAA Region Champs finishing region play undefeated. The Wayne County Yellow Jackets were your 2-AAAAA Region Champs also going 4-0 in region play. There was some controversy in Region 2-AAAAAA when Glynn Academy and Brunswick High finished tied with identical 3-1 region records, But, in my opinion, since the Terrors beat the Pirates 26-13 on the field, they are the rightful Region 2- AAAAAA Champion. In addition, we have eight other teams from the SEGA coverage area heading to the playoffs with at least the opportunity to make it to the dome on the weekend of Dec 8th & 9th. Will your team be one?

In football if you step on the field wearing the number 1 on your jersey, you better be able to back it up. Brunswick High Pirates’ senior Sharrod Frazier can do that and then some. Frazier has been a star for the Pirates ever since he’s stepped onto campus. His explosive speed caught the eyes of national recruiters at last year’s rising senior bowl and now has double digit offers from colleges across the country. Sharrod plays both sides of the ball for Coach Sean Pender but it’s the defensive side where he’ll play at the next level.

He wants to be talked about in the same breath as former Pirates like Darius Slay or Justin Coleman both who are now starters in the NFL. What would make a man want to take over a program that had won three football games in their last 30 tries? Vision. Sometimes that’s what it takes in sports, the

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ability to see what others can’t or won’t. Coach Ross Couch of Bradwell Institute has vision. He saw the potential when most others could not. Coach Couch had been an assistant at Bradwell a few years back, so he had a little insight to the program which undoubtedly lead him to believe he could make winners out of the Tigers. He did just that, at one-point Bradwell was 6-0 on the season including a win against their cross-town rivals Liberty County.

That’s a heck of a job Coach Couch, keep up the good work.

Some analytical types only want to look at numbers - well here you go: 6ft 168 lbs., 4.33 40 yard dash, 41 inch vertical leap and a solid 3.7 in the classroom. Impressive numbers but they don’t tell the whole story of McIntosh senior cornerback Michael Campbell Jr. Campbell is the student athlete that every coach wants on their team. The three-sport star who also plays basketball and runs track is a leader in the sports area as well as the classroom. He has three offers in hand the play college football with several other schools on the verge of making an offer including an SEC and Big 10 school. Campbell’s numbers don’t lie but there’s more to this Buccaneer.

When you play Single A football you better be versatile. You never know where coach is going to need you to play. Charlton County Indian AJ Bell is ready to help his team anywhere he’s needed. Safety, wide receiver or quarterback; it doesn’t matter to Bell, he just wants to win. He’s played all three positions well but for the last two seasons Coach Mac has counted on him to be his signal caller. Bell has developed into one of the better QB’s in our coverage area and is attracting the attention of several colleges. Not sure what he’ll play at the next level, but it doesn’t matter to Bell… He just wants to win!

Having a nickname like “Blindside” you would figure our Rising Star was a big kid. You’d be right.

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Jane Macon Middle School coach Keith Reddings gave that name to Kanaya Charlton the first time he saw him. Of course, Charlton is 6’5” and weighs in at 293 pounds so you can see the name fits. Charlton is the biggest man on campus literally. He taller than any of the teachers, staff or administrators.

Charlton, through no fault of his own, missed some formable playing years as he was physically too big to play rec ball. Even though his size is what people notice first, Coach Reddings says it’s his coachability which may be his best attribute.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We would like to thank our friends at the Georgia High School Football Historians Association (ghsfha. org) for their assistance. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.itgsportsnetwork.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ inthegamenation. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram @inthegamesega.

You can now keep up with all the Friday Night scores across SEGA and the state with our new partner app Scorestream. Download the Scorestream app at Google Play or the Appstore today. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6-7 p.m. as we broadcast live from Firehouse Subs in Waycross.

Listen to “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio. com. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

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Email us at info@itgsportsnetwork.com to let us know what you thought of the October edition of ITG!

Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Charles E. Smith Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont W. John Wood Jaron Raulerson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2017 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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The Brunswick Pirates football team once had a tradition that only their best player could wear the No. 1 on their jersey. Whoever took it upon himself to wear the number on his back was also expected to carry the team. The tradition has waned over the past 15 years, but is now on the verge of making a comeback thanks to Sharrod Frazier.

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

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The senior linebacker and strong safety has lit up recruiting boards for the past year. One of the most highly recruited players in Southeast Georgia, Frazier is a senior defensive leader for Brunswick. He makes such a big impact that coaches created a position just for him: a combination of safety and linebacker that allows him to use his speed and big-hitting abilities to roam the field to break up run plays and defend passes.

“The first word that comes to my mind about Sharrod is ‘explosiveness,’”Sean Pender, Brunswick coach, said.

“I’ve always said the number one thing about him is his ability to change a game.

He plays hard.”

At just under 6 feet and 192 pounds with a 4.46 40 yard dash, Frazier can also bench press 290 and squat 475. He fills several roles for the Pirates, returning kicks on special teams and lining up on

“They call me ‘Touch Money’ because every time I make a play or something, that's a step closer to getting to what I want to accomplish.”

— Sharrod Frazier defense at linebacker or strong safety.

“Sometimes he’s in coverage, and a lot of times he will be going after the quarterback in blitzing schemes,” Pender said.

In the Pirates’ game against Camden County this season, Pender put Frazier in on offense as a running back to take advantage of his athleticism and possibly spark the offense’s production.

“We had a situation where we had a lot of kids who were injured in the running back spot,” Pender said. “We were just looking for other people who were athletic and could run to put a ball in their hands. He was one of those kids, and he has done extremely well with it.”

Frazier ripped off several big runs and scored two touchdowns against the Wildcats in the 43-27 Brunswick win.

“I scored four touchdowns, but they called two back,” Frazier said.

But Frazier really shines on the defensive side of the ball. Last season he led the Pirates with 90 tackles, including 15.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, and was named First Team All-Region 2-AAAAAA. He then took part in the Georgia Junior Bowl, where he had eight solo tackles. The game gave him a great deal of exposure, and he received immediate offers from several colleges. At one point, he had offers from 16 colleges that want him to wear their colors next fall.

Frazier was also part of the Rising Seniors Bowl game in 2016, which showcased his speed in the secondary and caused his recruiting ratings to rise. He has heard from Boston College and West Virginia and wants to hear more from Clemson, Florida, and UCLA. Frazier is known as “Rodd” or “Touch Money” by his teammates.

“They call me ‘Touch Money’ because every

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time I make a play or something, that's a step closer to getting to what I want to accomplish,” he said.

Frazier started playing at the age of 10, but did not play in middle school. Still, he became a starter for the Pirates his freshman year and has become a stronger player every year since. His first big play came that year against Bradwell Institute when he broke through and blocked a punt.

“One of my teammates picked it up and scored, which gave us the lead and eventually gave us the win,” he said.

His most memorable game came last season was when the Pirates faced the Richmond Hill Wildcats. Frazier led the way with 13 tackles, four for loss, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

In the spring, Frazier also runs track, where he competes in the 100-meter and the 4x100 relay in which his team qualified for the state meet.

After suffering a hip injury, Frazier spent time recuperating and seems to have healed just in time for his senior football season.

During the Glynn Academy game this year, trainers attempted to pull Frazier from the game, but as he was walking off, he turned

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

around to rejoin his teammates on the field, refusing to leave them.

“His focus is definitely there, he's ready to go, he’s getting a little bit more healthy,” Pender said. “He's starting to come on now, and he’s starting to play very good football.”

As his senior year progresses, No. 1 continues to shine for the Brunswick Pirates. By the end of the year, Sharrod Frazier wants to be mentioned in the same breath as Darius Slay, Reshard Lee, Justin Coleman, and other Pirate greats who moved on to the college and professional ranks. His goal is simple: “To be

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WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS GOING STRONG - WINTER SPORTS WARMING UP Written by: Rob Asbell

Football

After a rough start to the regular season, the Gators football team went into Region 2-AAAAA play with an attitude.

Ware County marched into Statesboro and downed the Blue Devils 35-21. The following week was Homecoming against the South Effingham Mustangs, which the Gators won 35-3. The two victories guaranteed a spot in the postseason for Ware County, but upcoming games against Wayne County and New Hampstead will decide playoff seedings for the Gators.

Softball

The Lady Gators softball team finished the regular season 11-7 and took the No. 4 seed into the region tournament. Coach Rebecca Kirkland's team fell to the South Effingham Mustangs in the first round of the region playoffs. A series loss to Wayne County gave the Lady Gators the fourth seed from Region 2-AAAAA going into the state playoffs. This put Ware County on the road just north of Columbus to Hamilton, Georgia, to play Harris County. The Lady Tigers downed the Lady Gators in two games, knocking Ware from the playoffs.

Volleyball

The Lady Gators volleyball team ended the regular season with a record of 18-7 and as the No. 3 team in Region 2-AAAAA. Coach Alesia Gibson's ladies finished and were to take on Statesboro in the region tournament. The Blue Devils downed the Lady Gators, ending their season before the state playoffs.

Cross Country

The cross-country team has finished its season and will now compete in the Region 2-AAAAA cross-country championship. The top four teams will compete in the GHSA cross-country meet in Carrollton, Georgia November 3.

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Basketball

There has been lots of activity in the gym as the basketball teams and wrestling team prepare for their upcoming 2017-18 seasons.

Both the Gators and Lady Gators have a scrimmage against the Lowndes Vikings in Valdosta on November 14. The season openers will follow on November 18 at Brunswick. The home openers will be November 28 against the Bacon County Red Raiders.

The Lady Gators basketball team of Coach Mandy Lingenfelter had a great season last year, finishing 24-5, and were the second seed from Region 2-AAAAA. They made it to the Sweet 16 last season before falling to top-ranked Buford. This year they must replace four graduated seniors.

Coach Tre Hill's boys’ team finished the 2016-17 season at 1214 and took the third seed from Region 2-AAAAA. They fell in the playoffs to Dutchtown High School. The Gators must replace leading scorer JeMar Lincoln from last year’s squad.

Wrestling

Coach Joe Eichfeld's Gator wrestling team is coming off of a strong season in which they placed eighth in the state traditional tournament in February. The Gators had 11 wrestlers qualify for the state tournament last year after the sectionals.

The Gator grapplers return seniors Brandon Foster, Rick Walker, and Nawin Hyers, all of whom placed in the state tournament last year.

This season, wrestlers hit the mat in November as the Gators host the Ninth Annual Swamp Duals. Last year, 10 teams took part in the tournament from Camden, Dodge County, Toombs County, Valdosta, Lowndes County, Tift County, Glynn Academy, Effingham, and Ware.

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In The Game | 13

Just sitting out those last eight games was tough and watching those guys progress.

Calling the Ware and get better every day County Gators’ 0-4 grid- in the weight room and at iron start an “uncharac- school so it would transteristically” slow one is late into games.” an understatement. No The son of Swails WCHS teams since 1983 and Jacqueline Turner, had begun a season he knows well that of by losing the first four which he speaks. The games. Ware got its first 5’8”, 165-pound running victory of 2017 on Octo- back and defensive back ber 6 before winning the fought his way back this next three games, includ- season from an injury that ing the team’s first two cost most of his junior region campaign. contests.

Following "We felt it was Fortunately a stellar time for those the Gators sophomore had one season small things to guy in the in which end; to go out, ranks that he averexecute, and get already aged 10.8 knew a yards per better every day thing or (32 in the weight room carry two about carries for and at school, so 345 yards), c o m e backs. it would translate Turner was “More poised for into games.” or less, a breakwe were a out junior - Jordon Turner year. But great 0-4 team,” Jorhe broke don Turner, senior, said. his leg in the fourth game “We had just given up of the season, a debacle too many big plays and that also saw the Gators didn’t make enough big fall to Northside (Warner plays. We felt it was time Robins) 48-7. for those small things to “Actually I was at reend; to go out, execute, ceiver, and it was the first 14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Back in the Saddle Again

Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

play of the game,” Turner said.

“I was coming off the ball to block the safety on a jet sweep, and our other running back was coming around. I was blocking my guy toward the sideline, and the running back was cutting off my backside. The linebacker was coming to make a play on my right — his left — and he flew off the back’s body and missed the tackle. My leg was between him and the ground.”

Turner sustained a high compound fracture of the tibia and fibula. The tingling he subsequently felt told Turner his season was over. However, there was some silver lining in the dark cloud of despair: The injury occurred near Northside’s bench and in plain sight of their team physician, Dr. William Wiley, who wound up performing Turner’s surgery the next day. Initial diagnosis pointed to a 10-month recovery period. Progress was continual, though not always at the pace Turner desired.

“I started physical therapy with our athletic trainer, Jennifer Roberts,” Turner said. “We started with leg lifts, ankle raises, the small things. Sometimes Ms. Jen would have me stand on my hurt right leg, and she would say, ‘We’re going to do this for a

10-count.” I would think that I’d be able to do that right away, but it actually took about a month to get to that 10-count. After I got past that 10-count, I thought I was ready for something bigger. But she would get me to do some of the same things, and I would get frustrated.”

“It only took me seven months for a full recovery, and I was cleared for contact at the beginning of May,” he said. “I think it was definitely the hard work of me and Ms. Jen and the encouragement of my parents and teammates like Ernest Jones, Trey Cobb, Jaylyn Strickland, and Raja Bradley. I grew up with those guys, and I wanted to put in the hard work instead of dragging it out. Just sitting out those last eight games was tough and watching those guys progress.”

Track season wound up as part of Turner’s spring rehab regimen as the Gators won the region title. He didn’t quite recapture the sprinter’s form that made him a top-five region finisher in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore. Nonetheless, his potential return to events such as the 200, 4 x 100 relay, and long jump gives him yet more to work toward.

lege courses. He scored 1120 on By this past July, Turner says the SAT and 25 on the ACT. His he was back to his pre-injury memberships include Beta Club, weight room numbers. MaxiNational Honor Society, and the mum lifts these days include 310 First Southern Bank Junior Board. pounds on the bench press, 280 “My major might be either in power cleans, and 450 on the in computer squats rack. He engineering also now clocks or sports medat 4.45 seconds icine,” Turner in the 40-yard said. “My brothdash. er, Justin, maShowcasing jored in electrihis dual threat cal engineering nature in the and I saw how Gators’ first well he enjoyed region win of it. He got to do 2017, a 35-21 nice things and decision over go across counStatesboro, try, and it pays Turner gained well. I’d like to 46 yards on think I would just four carhave those ries (including same oppora 25-yard scortunities. Sports ing run) and medicine would picked up anbe a great way other 52 yards to stay close to on five catches.

Through “Jordon’s work ethic sports, though.

It’s definitely the first sevand perseverance, something that en games, he whether in the amazes me.” amassed over Turner cred700 total ofclassroom, weight ited the Ware fensive yards room, or on the County High (300 rushing, football field, are coaching staff 425 receiving). helping Defensively, he great examples of the with him navigate tallied 21 total expectations we have the road to retackles (12 solo, for our players.” covery. Older 9 assists). brothers Justin “Jordon is a tremendous - Franklin Stephens and Swails are also among asset to our the inner circle. program, exOther influences include Joe emplifying high character and Bennett, who coached Turner in leadership traits daily,” Franklin fifth grade. That season saw the Stephens, Ware head coach, future Gator tear his patellar tensaid. “After the season-ending don, which resulted in the first injury last year, he battled daily serious rehab of his career. Now during the offseason to get himfor the second time in his career, self ready for this season, menTurner is making the most of a tally and physically. Jordon’s fresh start. work ethic and perseverance, “The first time back in pads, whether in the classroom, weight I wasn’t thinking about the injuroom, or on the football field, are ry,” he said. “I was more thinkgreat examples of the expectaing about how we could make it tions we have for our players.” better and figure out my assignThough he has received no ments. We said after the East Lake college offers yet, Turner is workgame that we had 10 games to ing diligently to make himself a win, one game at a time, and then worthy candidate on all fronts. those 10 wins would translate to His wish list includes Kennesaw a state championship. I just want State, Georgia State, Georgia to finish out having a great senior Tech, and Mercer. On track as year and pray those opportunities an honor graduate, Turner mainwill come.” tains a 4.0 GPA with a class load that already features several col16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Thinking Fast Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

He is a rare combination of speed and intelligence — a 3.7 GPA with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. Throw in a 41-inch vertical jump, and you have McIntosh County Academy cornerback Michael Campbell Jr.

At 6 feet, 168 pounds, Campbell is being recruited by colleges as a cornerback, where his speed and ability to leap helps him cover receivers.

At MCA, a small single-A (public) class school just north of Darien, he plays

Safety & Wide Receiver

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

6’0”

safety and wide receiver while also returning punts and kickoffs.

“I realized that I wanted to be great at football, and you only can be great from perfecting your craft,” he said. “This happens through constantly working.”

168 lbs

And colleges have taken notice. At the midway point of his senior season, Campbell already had offers from three schools: Tusculum College in Tennessee, Mercer University, and Army at West Point. He was also getting

41-inch Vertical Jump

attention from Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Marshall, and Liberty.

“He makes some really difficult high-pointed interceptions where he does a great job of timing his jump, and then it’s really no contest when you consider his 41-inch vertical,” Recruit Georgia said of Campbell.

Campbell has improved his game this season so that MCA coach Terel Toomer has called on him to play on the offensive side of the ball more often.

“He has really stepped his game up on offense,” Coach Toomer said. “The strongest part of his game is his mind set; he plays football with a purpose of getting better each day.”

His work in the classroom is exceptional as well. Campbell is already eligible for early graduation in December. Near the top of his senior class, his high GPA gives him an advantage on the field, too.

“Having good grades does nothing but boost your confidence and morale,” he said. “When you have good grades, it gives you that edge, and it helps you elevate your game to the next level.”

Campbell is a yearround athlete, playing basketball and running track for the Bucs.

“On the court I can play any position due to my leaping ability,” he said, adding that at 6-feet tall he can, in fact, dunk a basketball.

Last year he was honored as the basketball team’s Defensive Player of the Year. In track he runs the 100-meter dash, 200, and 4x100 relay while also high jumping for MCA. Campbell grew up playing football.

“I’ve had a football in my hand since I was born,” he said.

He got his first big play in Pop Warner football when he returned a kickoff for a touchdown. It was memorable for him because he ran past everyone.

“That’s when I realized I was really fast,” he said.

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He started running track in middle school and then took up basketball in high school, but football was always his first love.

It took time for Campbell to grow into football.

As a freshman, he was just 5’2”.

In The Game | 19

“My dad would always tell me, ‘Mike, I was the same way in high school.

You will eventually grow.’

He was right,” Campbell said.

By his junior year he had snatched his first high school interception against Savannah Christian. This summer, as part of the “Greed D Boyz” seven-on-seven team started by Explosive Sports, Campbell had one of his biggest moments.

“I ‘Mossed’ someone with one hand during a seven-on-seven game,” he said.

“Mossing” is named for former NFL receiver Randy Moss and involves making a reception over someone, taking a sure catch from them.

“It was great because all of my teammates were there jumping around when I did it,” Campbell said.

Making big plays is Campbell’s favorite part of playing, and he looks forward to the putting on a show for his city each time he enters the Ship at Buccaneer Stadium.

“My parents have helped me the most,” he said. “They have always been there for me and have never skipped a beat.

They are constantly pushing me to be great and I love them for that.”

The son of Michael and Finiece Campbell of Darien, Michael Jr. is involved in the Fellowship

of Christian Athletes, the Spanish Honor Society, and Beta Club. He has been on the A and A/B honor rolls throughout high school, and his favorite class is history.

“I would like to be a sports broadcaster,” he said.

He credited his parents for helping him evolve into the student-athlete he has become and added that his father is his biggest fan. He also applauded the leadership of his coaches.

“I would like to thank all of the coaches that have helped me along the way,” he said, adding that his position coach, Pat Marshall, taught him drills he still uses at camp workouts. “Coach Marshall has always had my back and believed in me.”

Toomer believes Campbell brings more than just athletic prowess to the Buccaneers.

“He brings leadership and discipline," Toomer said. "Michael is a great example for the younger players to follow Michael is a great student-athlete and displays a positive attitude day in and day out. He is a model student and a great person to be around.”

20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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BACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BASKETBALL SEASON HEATING UP Written by: Rob Asbell

The gym has been an active spot on campus as the Bacon County Red Raiders basketball team prepares for the season to start in late November.

The boys team played well last year under coach J.B. Bergeron, going 13-16 overall. They were 7-8 in Region 2-AA and the No. 4 seed in the state tournament. Bacon County fell in the first round in Augusta to Region 4 champion Laney.

The Red Raiders lost seven players to graduation and must now work to replace them. They were seven young men who knew how to be teammates and work under Bergeron’s system.

“As most people who follow Southeast Georgia sports already know, I’m old fashioned in a lot of ways,” he said. “Leadership is one of those areas. I need young men who lead by example in their respect, passion, and love of the sport of basketball.”

One possible standout this season is senior LaGondric Snell, who has the personality to lead the young team while playing with high intensity.

“His speed and defensive prowess can and does change the complexity of a game,” Bergeron said. “If you follow football in our region, he plays basketball with the same intensity as he plays on the gridiron,” Only one starter returns from last year’s playoff squad, junior point guard Shevin Peterson, who is the floor leader.

“He is as talented a player as I have ever

coached,” Bergeron said. “Not a practice goes by without him doing something that amazes me.”

Physically, Peterson is extremely gifted with the added bonus of a high basketball I.Q. He can become an extension of the coach on the floor.

“The bottom line is this: How Shevin Peterson goes, so go the Red Raiders,” Bergeron said. “He and I have this talk almost on a daily basis. I am not referring to points, assists, or rebounds. I am speaking to attitude and effort.”

Going into the 2017-18 season, Bergeron and his team are excited about their chances.

The Red Raiders have some players that did not get much playing time last year and a few new players. One advantage the coach has this year is the team’s ability to shoot from the perimeter.

“For the first time in my time here, we can and will put five people on the floor at one time that can actually knock down the outside shot,” he said.

Despite bowing out in the first round of the playoffs last season, Bergeron saw some high points over the year.

“The first one occurred in Swainsboro,” he said.

The Red Raiders were struggling after Christmas and had dropped five of the six games they had played in January. It wasn’t

going to get any easier as a road trip to eventual Region 2-AA champion Swainsboro loomed. But rather than shrink from the competition, Bacon County rose to the occasion.

“It was one of those moments as a coach you watched everything you had taught and instilled in your young men come to fruition,” Bergeron said of the 82-80 win. “Swainsboro went on to play for the state championship, but that night everything we did was exactly what we had planned. It was the best game we had played in my tenure here and that was truly a sweet victory,” The second highlight was making the state playoffs for only the second time in 25 years. Now, Bergeron believes there is a foundation for success at Bacon County.

“I look for this team to get better every time out and can see us having back to back years in the state playoffs,” he said.

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24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The Blind Side Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

He towers above his classmates as he strolls through the halls of Jane Macon Middle School in Brunswick. At 6’5”, eighth-grader Kanaya Charlton is taller than most of the teachers and school administrators, too.

FAVORITES: SNACK: Sandwiches.

FOOD: Hamburgers.

HOBBY: Going to football practice and playing on my PS4.

PRO TEAM: The Dallas Cowboys (mainly because my grand-dad is a huge fan and he says his hopes is for me to one day play for them).

COLLEGE TEAM: Florida Gators.

PRO PLAYER: Wilt Chamberlian.

TV SHOW: How the Universe Works.

MOVIE: I have two favorite movies: "Bustin' Loose" and "Major Payne."

MOVIE STAR: Richard Pryor.

SCHOOL SUBJECT: Science.

PETS: Beta fish.

PLACE TO TRAVEL: Miami.

CAR: Convertible.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? Lots of people inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing but the one's who inspire me the most are my mother, coaches, and my teammates. They push me to go beyond my limits and to do my best every time we have a game to win.

On the gridiron, Charlton plays offensive right tackle for coach Keith Reddings’ Jane Macon Eagles. Because of his size and position, they call him “Blind Side,” a reference to the film about NFL offensive tackle Michael Oher, who was also large for his age growing up. Ironically, Charlton is already an inch taller than the famous NFL lineman, and, weighing 292 pounds, is almost as large. Reddings still recalls the day he first saw Charlton at the school.

“My first thought was ‘Whose daddy is here for a conference?’ Once the counselor introduced him as an 11-year-old sixth

grader, all I could think was ‘The Blind Side’ and championships,” Reddings said.

Charlton's sheer size is enough to catch the attention of coaches and recruiters, who point out that he is still growing.

Down in the trenches as an offensive lineman, Charlton enjoys the contact of football.

“The hitting part of the game and the winning of the games,” he said of his favorite aspects of the sport.

Before each snap of the ball, he mentally prepares himself to beat his opponent.

"I’ve got to drive this

guy back and open the hole," Charlton said, describing what he thinks to himself.

It seems to work, as many of his opponents have found themselves on their backs from a Charlton pancake block.

Football seems to run in his genes. His cousin, Rashad Jeanty, played defensive line for the Cincinnati Bengals following a career in the Canadian Football League. In what could be a foreshadowing of his own future, Charlton has already walked on an NFL field.

While living in Miami in the third grade, he was one of only four students in the district to get a perfect score on the Science portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Charlton was given the "Student of the Week" award presented by the owner of the Miami

In The Game | 25

Dolphins, Stephen Ross, ways to use Charlton’s during halftime at one of size but prefers to keep their games. him at his natural position “It was awesome,” he of tackle. said. “A day my mom and “We have considered I will never forget.” using him in the ‘RefrigCharlton got his start erator’ Perry type running playing back spot, Pop Warbut the “Seriously, he is the opportuniner football in Miami. type kid coaches ty has not But in first presented dream of, not itself yet,” grade he learned only his physical he said. that he was ext attributes, but he is a year,NCharltoo big to play with great student, has a ton plans playing the smaller pleasant personality on athletes. in high school. His “I did ,and he is coachable.” not meet ultimate -Keith Reddings, head coach sports the weight d r e a m requirements in would be my age class,” he said. “I to get a scholarship to play needed to be under 50 football at the collegiate and I was about 100.” level in a few years. To Still, his coach always improve himself, Charlton made him feel like he was works out and always goes part of the team, which hard at practice. fostered a love of the “My mother has game for Charlton. helped me the most be“Being his size, he cause she pushes me to was not allowed to play do my best and to never complain about what I recreation football, so he don't have,” he said. missed some of his formaThe son of Rashontive development years," da Charlton and Kanaya Reddings said. "He will Charlton Sr., he finished with all A’s and one B last have to work hard to make semester. His favorite up for lost time, but if any- subject is science and he one can, ‘Blind’ can.” hopes to become a bioloCharlton continued gist one day. to play recreation league Away from school and ball until middle school, practice, Charlton is like where he played as a most young teenagers: seventh-grader at Jane He plays video games Macon last year. and hangs with friends.

He has had a great He also enjoys traveling eighth-grade season with his family. with several big games.

“Kanaya is one of the Against Glynn Middle greatest kids I have ever School, Charlton set a personal record for pan- coached,” Coach Reddings cake blocks with nine in a said. “When he first got here we couldn’t get a single game.

In a game against word out of him; now we Needwood Middle, he was can’t get him to stop askcalled on to play defensive ing questions," Reddings said. "Seriously, he is the line on a goal line stand.

“I got the tackle that type kid coaches dream prevented Needwood of, not only his physical from another two point attributes, but he is a conversion," Charlton said. great student, has a pleasant personality, and he is "That was my first tackle.”

Reddings looks for coachable.”

26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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Wherever He’s Needed Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Tammy Bell

AJ Bell is looking for a position to call home. The senior quarterback for the Charlton County Indians may not be a signal caller much longer as colleges prefer to look at him for his skills as a receiver, a position he last played his sophomore year.

“Both positions have their perks,” he said. “Overall quarterback is more fun, but it also comes with a lot more responsibility.”

No matter which position he is playing, his abilities as an athlete and constantly improving skills will land him in a college uniform next year.

For the past two seasons, Bell has been the Indians’ quarterback and offensive leader. At 6'3" 175 pounds, he runs a 4.5-second 40-

yard dash and has the ability to play either position at a high level. As a quarterback he plays the run/pass option well and has the speed to take off on a run or scramble for positive yardage. He is also able to step back and throw it downfield.

As a receiver, Bell can catch the ball, break tackles, and outrun defensive backs.

“I think he could play quarterback, but I think he could play at a higher level as a wide receiver,” said Rich McWhorter, Charlton County head football coach.“He gets on the field faster as a wide receiver.”

Fortunately for Bell, college recruiters are able to go online and find video of him playing both quarterback and receiver. By the end

“Overall quarterback is more fun, but it also comes with a lot more responsibility.”

- AJ Bell

of the 2017 regular season, he was getting looks from Jacksonville University and Army at West Point. He has already received an offer to play at Reinhardt University.

AJ Bell started out as a quarterback for the Indians junior varsity his freshman year.

He got the opportunity to start on the varsity the following year as a free safety and wide receiver. His first big play came as a defensive back in the first game of the season in his very first start.

“I was playing safety against Manchester, and it was early in the game,” Bell said. “They were driving down the field and threw a deep ball in the end zone, and I intercepted and took it about 30 yards down the sideline.”

By his sophomore year, he was also competing with the Indians starting quarterback, a senior who had held the job for two seasons.

“But we weren’t going to let his athleticism stay on the sideline, so we turned him into a wide receiver, and right away he was All-Region,” McWhorter said.

A few games into his sophomore season, Bell got his first opportunity to play quarterback in a varsity game. Coach McWhorter put Bell behind center against Atkinson County in Pearson. Before the night was over, Bell had thrown four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 47-19 victory. This year as the starter, he struck ATCO for 378 yards and four touchdowns in a 46-0 victory.

Despite his skills as a wideout, Bell was needed elsewhere his junior season.

“I would love to have kept him there, but we didn’t have anybody else to play quarterback,” Coach McWhorter said.

Following his junior year, Bell was named as the team’s Offensive Player of the Year by In The Game.

This season, Bell has thrown for over 1,600 yards to go along with more than 600 yards rushing.

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“He’s also our punter,” McWhorter said. “He’s also the holder on our PATs, and he hasn’t bobbled one yet. He does some valuable stuff for us.”

Bell has improved as an athlete to go along with his confidence at the quarterback position.

“His mechanics are much better," McWhorter said.

"Coach Barrett Wilkes, my offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, has done a really good job with him.”

Playing football gives Bell the opportunity to do something he enjoys while building relationships with teammates that will last forever.

He credited his family, coaches and teammates for helping him to continually improve both on and off the field.

“My whole family has always been there for me supporting everything I do," Bell said. "My coaches have critiqued my game and built me into a better person and player. My teammates have pushed me to always get better.”

On Friday nights as he enters The Swamp in Folkston, he thinks of the town he calls home.

“I’m very excited to give the hometown fans an exciting game and am going to play as hard as I can to let them go home happy after a win.”

Along with football, Bell also plays for the Charlton County basketball team and runs track. He qualified for the state meet in the 200-meter dash last year.

The son of Adam and Tammy Bell, AJ holds a 3.4 GPA and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Bell has yet to decide what he wants to study in college but plans to get a job in business after graduation.

“He comes from great parents," McWhorter said.

"He's no maintenance when it comes to discipline. He has become a good Christian leader for our program.

He’s the guy that has stepped up this year to become that senior leader. When he leaves there will be a huge void.”

“I’m very excited to give the hometown fans an exciting game and am going to play as hard as I can to let them go home happy after a win.”

- AJ Bell

In The Game | 31

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Berry Tanner is back.

We’re proud to have one of our area’s most experienced bankers and commercial leaders heading up our new Waycross office. Berry Tanner brings years of financial expertise home to help us grow your business. You’ve known Berry for years and we invite you to stop by our new office to say hello, or contact Berry today to schedule a visit at your office soon.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Our Business is PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS

Branding a business’s name and logo and finding ways to promote it are vital to any company in today’s market. Getting their name out into the public gives a company an edge in an increasingly competitive business atmosphere. Promotional items are a smart way to publicize a business, organization, or event. One out of every four people walk around with a promotional item, and 91 percent have a promotional item in their kitchen.

For 22 years, Atlantic Advertising has helped

small businesses in Waycross and the surrounding area with screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products.

They offer name brands such as Nike, Columbia, Richardson, Tervis, Jerzees, Gildan, and Augusta.

“We get to create items that can help a small business promote itself such as pens, cups, and keychains,” Jon Parker, owner of Atlantic Advertising, said. “We also make items that help groups and clubs raise money such as T-shirts and caps.”

While they have always been known for their embroidery work, Atlantic Advertising also provides promotional products and apparel and is rapidly becoming one of the best suppliers of promotional products in the Southeast.

“We service both large and small companies as well as schools, colleges, clubs, groups, and churches,” Parker said.

Atlantic Advertising offers embroidered items such as golf shirts, jackets, and caps; screen printed items such as T-shirts, bags, and beach towels; promotional products such as drinkware, pens, keychains, and fans; and a huge list of nearly 400,000 other items including eco-friendly gifts.

They also provide customer service to assist in finding the perfect way to

highlight their customers’ businesses.

“We take the time to try and figure out what item will work best for the customer for whatever event they are trying to promote,” Parker said.

Whether it is an event, group, or business, Atlantic Advertising can get it out there. Whether it is an award, a clock, or even travel items, you will find it at Atlantic Advertising.

Located at 701 Francis Street in Waycross, they are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Come in and see our showroom,” Parker said.

“Call or visit us online to get ideas about what items we can offer for your next event or promotion.”

You can call them at (912) 284-0000 or email

them at info@atlanticadvertising.com. Find them on the web at atlanticadvertising.com. You can also like them and follow them on Facebook.

Atlantic Advertising has been locally owned and operated in Waycross since 1995, and the family has owned and operated businesses in Waycross since 1947, including Waycross Drug Company, Waycross Fabrics & Kiddie Shop, and Nimble Needle.

If you want to put a logo on it, Atlantic Advertising can do it. T-shirts, hats, and even signs.

As their logo says: “Our Business is Promoting Your Business.”

In The Game | 33

Eighth Annual In the Game Sports Network Southeast Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet Monday, December 11, 2017 6:30 PM Waycross City Auditorium

Partner with In the Game as we gather to celebrate Southeast Georgia’s top football players and coaches from the 2017 season. Joined by their families and fellow fans, we look forward to recognizing the outstanding efforts, achievements, and futures of these remarkable people.

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AWARDS:

Forward Progress Award Academic Player of the Year Special Teams Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year Coach of the Year Offensive Player of the Year Middle School Player of the Year Humanitarian Award

For more information contact Shawn Smoak: shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com 34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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Teaching The Game Written by: W. John Wood Photography by: Charles E. Smith

It was hard times. The once proud Bradwell Institute football program had suffered through two seasons with no wins and a record of 3-27 over the previous three seasons. The Tigers needed more than just a coaching change to restore a formerly strong program.

So, last February, 31-year-old Ross Couch stepped forward to take charge of the Tigers football program. Couch was familiar with the situation since he had been a coordinator and assistant head coach for two seasons before he left to go to Windsor Forest as defensive coordinator during the 2016 season.

Ross and his younger brother, Chris, saw the correct way to run and coach teams from their father, Garry, who was the longtime athletic director/coach at Georgia Military Prep School. The younger Couch, after a long road in college football, is the special teams coordinator at Tulane University with former Georgia Southern head coach Willie Fritz.

“I was lucky enough to be able to bring my kids to work with me my whole life,” said Couch’s father, Garry Couch. “They grew up on fields and in gyms watching how players interact with one another. He and Chris both probably knew more about what was going on with the team than I did because they were in the locker room when the coach was not. So they got to see first-hand how players interacted with coaches when the coaches were not there. They also were able to see early in life that the ones that worked hard usually were more successful than those that just went through the motions.”

The different character attributes that Ross gained during his time at GMC Prep such as commitment, discipline, organization, profession-

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alism, and honesty all came into “It’s definitely an 2017 Teacher of the Year by his play when he took over Brad- honor to be named colleagues at Bradwell Instiwell and started to change the Teacher of the Year tute. The award speaks to the losing culture that the program importance of being able to at Bradwell, but teach, communicate, and build was mired in.

“I’ve had a blueprint for the the expectation my relationships with players and way I wanted to do things for whole life was to do coaches, not just X's and O’s. a long time,” Couch said. “The things the right way “It’s definitely an honor to biggest hurdle we faced early be named Teacher of the Year in whatever you are on was the mental aspect of at Bradwell, but the expectathe program, the culture. Our doing." tion my whole life was to do - Ross Couch things the right way in whatevmain goal was to push these kids past where they thought they could go, er you are doing,” Couch said. “My mom told hit their limits, and then push them past that. me early on that if I was going to be a coach, The summer months were tough. We lost a I had to be a good teacher or she’d kick my lot of kids. We started with about 125 and we butt. She was a math and computer teacher ended with 80. But we were okay with that. and made it very clear what my expectations We had to have guys who would live up to were going to be as a teacher. So honestly, I our expectations. For the most part, we found didn’t have a choice but to work as hard in the those guys.” classroom as I do on the field.”

This past summer, the Tigers put in work Bradwell Institute entered Region 2-6A and started to find its identity as a team. Brad- region play 6-0, but lost three region games well routed Savannah Johnson in a scrim- to tough opponents. They have battled injumage. Even with the victory, there was still ries, but Couch has never faltered from the some doubt and hesitation as Bradwell was process that has led to a dramatic transformaabout to embark on the 2017 campaign. Lib- tion of the Tigers. When senior night comes erty, with its run of outstanding athletes, has against Glynn Academy, those players that surged over the last few years, taking a de- survived and were courageous enough to cided advantage over Bradwell in the battle stick through 3-27 will have a senior winning for the Liberty County Commissioner’s Cup. season to remember.

Liberty looked like they would continue the “The seniors that have stuck it out will be run against Bradwell, scoring on a reverse your first group of seniors as a head coach,” on its opening drive, but Couch’s Tigers had he said. “They were 3-27, and you have given learned to fight and keep competing, which a senior season that will have positive memled to a 23-7 victory. ories. This is what you want them to take from “That was a big win for us for no other the program, on-and-off-field lessons. These reason than it gave our kids confidence in seniors are going to remember that they startthemselves,” he said. “I think that helped us ed something; they created a foundation for through our first five or six games because growth that we will build on. Things aren’t althe kids believed they could beat anybody, ways going to go the way you plan or the way no matter what the score was.” you want, but you always have to realize you Just as the Tigers’ winning was starting to are a part of something bigger. Hopefully infuse Southeast Georgia, their head coach, these seniors will be able to look back who teaches literature, received an unexpect- on this season and understand what ed and amazing honor. Couch was named the

we were trying to teach them.”

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PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

PIERCE COUNTY BASKETBALL

The Pierce County Bears basketball teams will hit the court this fall as they are patiently waiting to see if all of the offseason work has paid off. The girls basketball team looks to continue their success after going 21-8 last season, while the boys basketball team will look to finally develop into the team coach Joseph “Shan” Garner desired when he signed with Pierce County last year. Both teams are expected by the community (and by themselves) to have very successful seasons and make a run at the playoffs this year.

With most of the starters are returning, the boys are back and ready to make a serious run this season. Along with the returning starters, Pierce County added multiple newcomers who will add to this already talented roster. While Pierce improved this offseason, so has the rest of the conference, and with a challenging schedule, the Bears must work as a complete team “Work together and believe in each other and cheer for the guys in front of you," Garner said to his players regarding what he expected from them this season.

With a 21-8 record last season, the Lady Bears look to continue their success with a revenge tour after losing to Tattnall by 1 point in the region championship game last year. While only losing two seniors last season, the Lady Bears bring back a talented roster. The Lady Bears look to perfect what they already did well last season.

“I’m looking forward to working with this group of girls who have great chemistry and work really well together," said Lacie Dowling, girls basketball head coach, when asked what she was looking forward to this upcoming season.

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Written by: Jaron Raulerson

In The Game | 39

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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